May all things good ( Love ) always prevail over all things not good ( Evil ) ❤️🙏❤️
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Tag: family
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Love is Always the Answer
Posted at 8:27 AM
Jan 23rd -
Long Journeys Need Smiles
Posted at 12:40 PM
Jun 19thWhen I seen the sign “You Are NOT Almost There” it made me laugh, and remember a time many years ago when my daughter and I eagerly embarked on a day hike 6 miles into the Grand Canyon.
Guess What?
6 miles down is a breeze……..
6 miles up at 110 degrees is NOT……. lol
In support and outreach to others………
On our challenging journey out of the Canyon (although we did not make a sign) we were sure to caution every passing hiker on the way into the canyon!
DOWN IS EASY…. but…. UP IS NOT EASY
Life is not always fun and we sometimes make choices or eagerly follow a path that turns out to take us on quite a different journey then we once expected!
Thankfully when you put Faith in a Higher Power you are NOT in this alone.
Sometimes it is more about what you are walking away from than what you are walking to.
Possibly the most important thing we find when walking away from difficult experiences is an amazing inner strength that somehow carrys our body’s through disasters when our minds are numb and our muscles simply roboticly move us forward.
Survival instinct may not always be about an amazing human strength that powers us through difficult challenges but quite possibly better explained as the intuitive Power of Divine Guidance.
I also believe in something my family likes to refer to as Divine Comic Relief. These are times within the saddest or most serious moments we are experiencing when something happens and in within the most serious of times you can’t help but laugh.
We need smiles to get us through the tearful times!
I like to believe those times as well are sent to us from God.
Recently I have been enjoying a lot of time in the woods walking on trails. There is a peacefulness in the atmosphere, the fragrances and songs of the birds keep your mind anchored in the present moment. There is nothing more calming the enjoying then truly experiencing the very moment you are in without distraction.
“We need to find God and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature, trees, flowers, grass, grow in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence. We need silence to be able to touch souls”. Mother Teresa
Many years ago someone recomended a book to me called Grandma Gatewoods Walk. It is a true story about amazingly strong lady who simply read an article in National Geographic magazine about the Appalachian Trail and then just decided to thru hike it…….. she knew her family would advise her against it so she just decided to tell them she was going on a walk…… leaving out the fact that it was a two thousand and fifty mile long walk. LOL
Emma Gatewood was 67 years old when she decided to take this walk!
She eventually did have to be truthful with her family when national publications began following her to publish articles on her solo thru hike.
You can read more about her here Appalachian Trail Histories/Emma Gatewood
I have shared the audio version of this book with elderly individuals I have taken care of. Many of them found it very interesting and recognized some of the local history that was referenced as she was traveling through the local areas of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania. I will share a link here if you are interested in possibly sharing it with others.
I pray all those struggling through difficult paths find Peaceful Moments, Silent times to be with God, and some Heaven sent smiles to keep you moving forward and finding Hope.
With Hope, Joy, Peace and Love, Carmela
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The Right Road, Really?
Posted at 2:15 PM
Apr 9thDuring a cross country trip traveling with my daughter, we sat in a roadside restaurant somewhere in South Dakota. Our attention was directed to a little girl about 3 or 4 years old, I am not sure what she did to get our attention but I remember commenting to her father about how cute she was. “Well, she is definitely a leader” her father commented, and with a chuckle he continues to tell us “I said to my wife, we better make sure she goes down the right road, because if we don’t she will be taking a lot of people down the wrong road with her”.
That quick encounter happened 19 years ago. I have recalled that moment many times since, the memory always brings a smile and a chuckle, and makes me wonder where and what that sweet child is doing now.
In that moment while my daughter and I sat admiring a child who couldn’t contain the Joy the day was bringing her, each one of us were unaware of the events that will be yet to unfold in each of our futures.
Recently during caregiving, the wife of a person I was taking care of stated to me, “if I knew before hand the death and illness my family would have to face, I would never even have gotten married.”
Time is irreplaceable. Life doesn’t allow for “do overs”. It requires us to dive into unforeseen adventures.
Is there really such a thing as “the right road” or is that “road” forever changing and relative only to each precious moment in time?
I have learned that life teaches by experiences. We can try to prepare ourselves and do our absolute best at living “right” and staying on the “right road” but in reality, each moment of the day we are called to improvise and navigate through the encounters life brings to us in that very moment.
The maturity of our faith can change with every new event we experience; new person we encounter or conversation we share.
22 years ago my mother who was nearing death was attempting to prepare me for navigating through my life without her. What she was telling me wasn’t making sense in that moment. It appeared as if she was hallucinating or deeply confused. It wasn’t until after her passing when events began to unfold and the memories of those moments began to become clear.
For months afterward I searched every memory for a deeper meaning, trying desperately to understand the hidden messages she was attempting to place before me. I never felt so alone and unprepared for what was next to come. I prayed desperately for understanding, wisdom and strength to continue on and know what to do next. I searched each word that was spoken to me for a deeper meaning. I ran each sentence over and over in my mind trying to decipher its intended message. Finally, at the point of exhaustion I lay down in a field one night crying hysterically asking God “please just come and be me, because I don’t know how to be me anymore”.
Deep in my heart I knew mothers can’t give up. Responsibilities loom and love reaches out beyond all limitations. It wasn’t until that night laying in the field under the stars when I ask God to take over and help me be me, that I wholeheartedly understood that He doesn’t want us to be doing this alone. He is more than a Prayer; He is our inner strength. He is the very breath we inhale, the Blood that keeps our body alive. He is our Soul. The heartbeat in our earthly body that keeps us alive and carries us through difficult experiences.
My life from this point on has not been easy it has included devastating sorrow with the loss of our 11-year-old grandson but also great appreciation for the Blessing of his presence with us for those beautiful and precious 11 years.
The Holy Spirit within continues to keep me strong and resilient, fills me with understanding, empathy and respect for others, but most of all fills me with Joy every time I am able to share in the daily Miracles and Blessing that continue to prove God’s Love for us.
With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love, Carmela
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“Help Me”
Posted at 3:24 PM
Aug 13th“Help me”. When physical energy is extremely low and life’s burden is heavy, verbal requests are condensed to the most powerful, heart wrenching simplicity. I cannot tell you how many times I have sat with someone facing end of life when the simple request “Help me” is repeated.
As a caregiver I have had the honor of taking care of and meeting many people of many different faiths.
Our lives are so enriched by listening to stories, experiences and traditions of different cultural belief systems and religions. I try very hard to honor each individuals beliefs and show great respect for family wishes and traditions.
The common thread that flows through each experience is that of Love. Love is the great universal connection we all share and we all need.
Divine Love shines through with a beauty, purity and selflessness that is recognizable no matter what “label” it may come wrapped in. As the sweetness of sugar is the base for candies of endless recipes and names, Divine Love is the common ingredient in countless religious denominations and beliefs.
1 Corinthians 13 : 13 Now faith, hope, and love remain—these three things—and the greatest of these is love.
Inspiration and Wisdom will always find us when we ask for it. It does not have to be requested in lengthy prayers.
There are so many songs that contain so much encouragement and inspiration. I am sharing two of my favorites below.
The simple request “help me” reminds me of the song from the Sidewalk Prophets : Help me find It
Help Me Find It(The Sidewalk Prophets)I don’t know where to go from here …..It all used to seem so clear….I am finding I can’t do this on my own….I don’t know where to go from hereAs long as I know that you are nearI’m done fightingI’m finally letting goI will trust in you’It never failed before’I will trust in youIf there’s a road I should walkhelp me find itif I need to be still give me peace for the momentwhatever your willwhatever your willcan you help me find itI am including the song below I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. This group will be coming to York PA for a free concert. The link to more information and tickets for the event can be found by clicking here look for York PA west york middle school August 26Another favorite is Come as you are. Teaching us to forgive ourselves for not being perfect and to reach out for guidance and support in making better choices.“Come As You Are”Crowder
Come out of sadness
From wherever you’ve been
Come broken hearted
Let rescue begin
Come find your mercy
Oh sinner come kneel
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can’t heal
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can’t healcome out of saddnessfrom whereever you’ve beenEarth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t heal…….With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love, Carmela
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No Stocking Up On Bread And Milk For This Mama :)
Posted at 3:57 PM
Mar 15thThis week we are shoveling out from a large snow storm that showered our area with 12 to 18 inches of snow. News reports predicted the event giving people time to prepare for the temporary changes a large snowfall causes in our daily routines.
The video below of an eagle sitting on her nest during the snow storm makes me think of the bible verse Matthew 6:25-2725… Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26: Look at the birds of the air; They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27: Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his lifespan?…
I wonder if wildlife ever has any moments of fear or dread when facing up coming blizzards that sometimes happen in our life as people do who have lived through difficult days.
What an awesome glimpse at the strength and resilience of wildlife.
As a caregiver who travels to different locations my first action when hearing the storm forecast was begging the garage to fit me in to replace two tread worn tires with a new set to help ensure my safe arrival.
Next step was packing the vehicle with an assortment of safety and emergency supplies so I was well prepared for worst case scenario. The office calls with the game plan of stationing a caregiver at each of our 24 hour care locations for the 24 hour duration. This would help ensure our patients coverage and keep the highway travels to a minimum.
I show up with my “in case” supplies in tow. I was well prepared for possible power outage or lengthy stay. Thankfully my “in case” supplies were not necessary and we were just able to enjoy a relaxing visit watching the snow pile up and enjoy each others company.
My patient commented that I must have been a Girl Scout because I came so prepared. When I had to explain to her “Unfortunately no, I was a Brownie drop out.” we both got a good chuckle.
My preparedness comes from many difficult life events that has taught me to rely on God’s wisdom to give me strength and direction. We all have the ability to survive and thrive independently if we search deep within and find strength from the Higher power. It may not always be easy but it is possible with prayer and Divine Guidance.
Like the verse says “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his lifespan?”
Thank you Mother Eagle for reminding us to Trust more and worry less.
Pray for strength and wisdom then relax into the Joy and Peace that Divine Guidance provides.
With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love, Carmela
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Enough “When Arguing With A Stupid Person Make Sure They Are Not Doing The Same”
Posted at 10:56 AM
Feb 8thEvery second of Life is filled with a multitude of wise quotes educational studies and varied opinions of how we can improve ourselves. One could spend countless hours trying to absorb and understand the perfect way to find happiness and Joy.
The entire time we are researching, digesting and ruminating the many different human opinions on how to live an optimum life filled with Joy the clock continues to tick away and the precious moment of Joy are falling through the hour glass as we study.
Then someone says something that is drastically in contrast to the peaceful existence the “seeker of Joy” is attempting to understand and develop. The manner in which we respond to this says it ALL. As a seeker of Joy and peace if we become enraged by the comment and at the person who communicated it we loose our focus and we can easily be pulled into the vacuum of despair that will most assuredly do nothing but steal the joy of the present moment and add to the chaos and anxiety in the world.
Peace and wisdom is attainable only after we deescalate agitated emotional feelings that come naturally in human behavior. As human beings we all want to feel safe and have our opinions respected. We learn by doing. We also learn by the mistakes we make. We have more things in common with each other than we often realize.
Both sides are at fault when there is a disagreement that is not handled in a respectful manner. I was given a very helpful bit of wisdom from a church sign once many years ago…… “When arguing with a stupid person, make sure he is not doing the same thing”.
It is a common narcissistic human reaction to want to be heard and have your opinion respected, when you feel you are not being heard or your point is not being taken seriously the narcissistic response often turns to aggressive language and maliciousness and personal attacks to show power. It is a vicious circle that will never result in a peaceful resolution.
Meditation brings awareness that is available to us all from deep within. It may be referred to in many different ways but the common denominator will always be Love. Stillness and Meditation will connect you with Internal Universal Wisdom. The inner voice I like to refer to as the Whisper of God.
We will all react at times “Humanly” and with emotions however, we need to forgive each others slip ups and begin again to listen for the word of God to lead us to a better reaction……. (this example came from a book I read once long ago, A Life Worth Breathing)… imagine if you were in a car accident…. You are laying along side the road with torn clothes and bleeding. The ambulance driver arrives jumps out of the ambulance and responds emotionally…….”Oh MY GOD, you are in horrible shape! This is going to be hopeless, no-one will be able to fix this”. No one wants something like this to happen.
Remember to focus on the moment in front of you and not worry about the imagined moments of the future. We can waste many precious joyful moments when we fantasize, strategize, and organize for the imagined disasters in the future.
Life is better when we build one another up instead of tear each other down. Teach each other and be willing to learn from each other. Children are watching how we respond and treat political figures and this is how they will believe it is acceptable to treat all humans.
Be confident that as individual souls living an earthly experience we have enough internal wisdom to get us through our Journey here on earth. Never forget to Be Still and listen to the Higher Wisdom within you instead of responding emotionally from your human ego. Lets not be that ambulance driver with nothing but alarming words proclaiming our demise.
It is possible to voice one’s opinion without calling the person with the opposing opinion a derogatory name. When we express ourselves with respect we promote a peaceful enviornment. By responding offensively to an oposing opinion we are teaching our children it is acceptable to call people derogatory names, antagonize others who believe differently than you and cause division instead of promote unity and peacefulness.
With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love, Carmela
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Like Tiny Snowflakes of Hope, Joy and Love Angelic Souls’ Messages Blanket The Earth
Posted at 6:08 PM
Jan 6thThe most perfect beauty often happens within a fraction of a moment as one observes the genuine pureness of protective Love one for another. Each taking selfless steps to prepare for the other’s ease of well-being as the future begins to unfold.
Being witness to the message of Hope in what feels to be a Hopeless situations is nothing short of amazing. Being in it and through it myself I am aware the end of life experiences and moments will not always feel positive, hopeful or Awe inspiring. Often they may not be witnessed by those closest but possibly by the “outsider”. I am convinced we are not supposed to be able to figure out why. The most important message is Every Souls‘ Wisdom and purpose is important and most assuredly it will unfold in the manner it should. Whether it shines through like a billboard or comes quietly much later as a gentle whisper is not what is important. The joint message of many Souls is what brings us Hope.
It is a blessing to be present with a family and witness the gentle unfolding of protective Love in action. Each person, whether a parent, a child or grandchild, or one spouse toward another, going to great lengths to protect the other from undue burden and discomfort in the future.
Each one knowing our earthly journey sometimes causes us to travel some very difficult roads. Each one taking steps to protect the other and assist in making their future journey as smooth and free of unnecessary pain as possible.
When living through the moment as a family each member often silently taking steps and making quiet sacrifices to allow or facilitate ease of burden for the other.
As an outside source of support the complete picture of a families love for each other focuses into a very clear snapshot of perfect love. A Love that takes steps to protect each other from as much hurt as necessary. A love willing to cover up their own pain to ease the burden for the other. A Love that sees through the stoic front, reaches past the facade to embrace and share the burden together.
Each Soul we are introduced to here on our earthly journey carries lessons of Wisdom they may not even be aware of themselves.
In a majestic unfolding of Divine moments of Wisdom each unique lesson will become clear to those it was intended to reach.
Each souls lesson joins with other lessons, and like tiny snowflakes of Love, Hope, and Joy angelic souls’ messages blanket the earth with the purest message of Warmth and Divine Love.
Like a warm blanket being wrapped around you when you are cold and afraid, let the beautiful blanket of Hope, Joy and Love wrap you and quiet your fears during times of confusion, grief and sorrow. It is then when we feel the continued angelic support and unending Love that our Loved One’s share with us.
With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love, Carmela
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The Curve Of A Smile Can Set A Lot Of Things Straight
Posted at 11:19 AM
Sep 21stI am beginning to believe that developing a good sense of humor as a child just might be one of the most important puzzle pieces to a successful and healthy future.
Even though we attempt to plan for our future, life has a way of dealing out unpredictable surprises. In the midst of the most sad and serious moments I have had to endure, I like to believe God is the one sending me a silly moment that makes me chuckle to lighten the burden.As a parent and grandparent I believe It is so important to encourage a child’s sense of humor. Be silly, read silly books with your child, make humor and laughter a part of each day. It is never to late to teach a child to develop a healthy sense of humor. I heard someone say once that a good sense of humor in life, is like shock absorbers are to vehicles. It can take away some of those nasty, unpleasant bumps. It truly is as Bill Cosby puts it, once you find laughter, know matter how painful your situation might be you can survive it. Be sure to make many fun and silly memories, so your child has many to select from when experiencing a difficult time!
As a caregiver I have seen the positive effects of humor. It can diffuse aggression and anger, as well as turn tears into a smile. It also has a calming effect when someone feels nervous or embarrassed. Small children respond to “Oh no, You must have forgot to put your smile on this morning!” Causing the child to stop and think about getting dressed and physically putting a smile on, just might be enough to redirect the unhappy thought and mood and engage them in a playful imaginary hunt for their lost smile.
A very important thing to remember is humor must never be hurtful or disrespectful. It is possible to recognize funny situations or find humor in a funny story without making fun of a person. I really believe that our “bullying” situations in our schools are simply misguided children, attempting to get people to like them or get noticed by making others laugh, at the expense of another person. I have seen adults with low self-esteem attempt to make themselves look better by tearing another person down and then boasting about their own abilities. Sadly many times they are not at all aware of what they are doing. This is simply what they have felt they needed to do and have been doing it their entire lives.
I found a beautiful blog: Sending Hope by: Tracy Hodge That speaks of this very issue. She puts it so perfectly that I am feeling the need to share her words. This is how she put it… Great people, truly great people, are not afraid of the greatness of others. They are not intimidated nor are they threatened when others around them succeed or even surpass them. Great people enjoy lifting others up and never mind showing others the way. On the other hand, small people like to be surrounded by other small people. Small people tear others down in laughter and seldom offer a kind word unless it is to flatter someone in their favor. Small people gossip out of jealousy and have no concept of loyalty. (You can read the entire blog by clicking here)
Mother Teresa once said: The fruit of Love is service, The fruit of service is peace, And peace begins with a smile
Two very important things to remember….. Always remember before you put on a frown, make absolutely certain there are no smiles available. and…..If you meet someone without a smile, give them one of yours. You may never know what a positive affect that may bring to the person who has none.
With respect, hope, joy and love, Carmela
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Be That Someone Who Makes Someone Else Look Forward To Tomorrow :)
Posted at 5:00 PM
Sep 12thThere is nothing more enjoyable then being with someone who is just simply fun to be with. Someone who refuses to be pulled down by the negatives of the world. Someone who takes on the challenge of lifting the spirits of a group of people who are heavyhearted.
Like the photo above, they simply seem to be filled with a natural Joy and they cannot contain the positive energy. With the lightheartedness of a hummingbird they seem to buzz, zoom, zing and zip around with an urgency that is mesmerizing and can’t help but bring a smile of admiration to others.
Some days we are not able to escapes dealing with challenging moments during a lifetime. I like to believe God introduces us to people who we need to help us get through life’s journey. When our spirits are low and a person who has overflowing energy and joy enters into our path, perhaps it is not simply a random joyful encounter but quite possibly an intentional Divine Blessing placed along the path of a difficult day.
Enjoy each smile that enters your day. Be grateful for each encounter of overflowing Joy, and return the favor to others on days when your Joy cannot be contained.
See
Miracles
In
Life
Everyday
With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love, Carmela
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It Is How We Tackle Managing Our Load That Makes All The Difference…..Daily Prompt: Carry
Posted at 11:51 AM
Aug 16thEveryone on earth will encounter some sort of burden to carry. Weather it is a difficulty we were born with or one that has met us somewhere along the way on our journey in life, either is no worse than the other.
It is how we tackle managing the load that makes all of the difference in the world. As humans we often look through eyes of comparison. When we loose focus on our own journey and purpose we cause ourselves troubles.
If we cannot see, we learn to survive with the senses that we have. If we cannot hear we can learn to thrive as well with the senses we do have. We cannot compare our life with no site with that of a person who has site.
We must be grateful for the gifts we are given. Learn to use them to the best of our abilities and support others and their God given gifts as well. It is in showing this level of respect for others that we honor our own selves and learn to thrive in the contentment that life is meant to bring us.
When we give thanks for the gifts that are present and learn to honor and respect the gifts of our peers it is then that any burden we are asked to carry is lighted for both. In sharing and supporting we find peace and contentment.
When attempting to disguise our difficulties and compete with others our struggles will only increase. We can only shine in honesty and truth. God Loves us exactly the way we are, and we need to learn to loves ourselves that way as well.
Never try to be a person that you were not meant to be. Simply be you. Be truthful. Be kind. Be loving.
With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love, Carmela
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Carmela Snelbaker 